The 12 elements of an effective EMS

In its Compliance-Focused Environmental Management System Enforcement Agreement Guidance, EPA provides twelve elements that should be incorporated into an effective environmental management system. The 12 key elements are summarized below:

1. Environmental Policy – management must be committed to compliance and this commitment must be communicated to all employees.

11. Continuing Program Evaluation and Improvement – includes evaluation of the EMS and periodic audits of facility compliance.

12. Public Involvement/Community Outreach – includes education and environmental awareness.
Each element of an EMS is important, but two of the more important elements are the internal accountability process and the environmental auditing procedures.